The Everything Gun

[Dave T]

Since this is posted in the "Revolvers" section of the Forum I'll limit my answer to that. The most indestructible revolver I've ever owned is a 3-screw Ruger Blackhawk. If I could reload in this hypothetical scenario I would choose my cut down (4-5/8") Flat-top 44 Blackhawk.

Now since this is after all a S&W forum, a one and only Smith revolver for me would have to be some version of the N-frame 45 ACP. I have a pre-25 I had cut down to a 5" that I love. Just got a 625-2 that I think I'm going to like as well. But for this scenario (one revolver for everything) I might go with the one I'm having built right now. A blued version of Smith's Mountain Gun with all the full moon clips I can manage. Got a good supply of 45 ACP ammo and with the ability to reload (components on hand or available) I could feed the 45 ACP revolver with everything from plinking loads to +P 230g JHPs.

Some have objected to N-frames for concealed carry but it can be done with some thought and care. The size and weight would be worth it to me and the 45 caliber lightens the load in a big revolver over a 357 version of the same gun.

Dave

 

[roaddog28]

A model 13 with a four inch tube.

You mean this one

 

[corky52]

Just my opinion
L frame 686
.38/.357
4"
Ammo availability, ease of care (Stainless), concealable with right rig.

 

[Moondancer]

686 4".

Beefy enough to handle heavy hunting loads, and although marginal for bear it is sufficient for deer.
Capable of shooting .38 target loads for plinking and small game.
125-grain JHP for self-defense purposes.
Small enough to conceal with the right gear and cover garment. Open carry is no problem whatsoever. Again, a good belt and holster makes all the difference.

Loose rounds, speed/quik strips or speedloader capable.
Shotshells if so desired.

I had one and let it go. I'm on the hunt for another one.

 

[JT]

629 MG. Second runnerup would be 624 or 629 4". Nuff said.

 

[Mule88]

Id have to go with my 629 DX with 5 inch bbl. .44 special or equilivent light loads or full bore .44 mag. Should cover any situation pretty well.

 

[David Sinko]

If I had to grab one gun and go, these will not be the best of times. Concealment would be a top priority. I'll take my .45 ACP Model 625 with 3" barrel. Ball ammo is available everywhere. With .45 Super handloads I can get over 900 FPS with 255 gr. bullets. It's not exactly a pocket gun, but it can cleanly kill anything on this continent and is still easily concealed. My Mountain Guns are definitely lighter but that 3" full lug barrel balances better for me and shoots everything extremely well.

Dave Sinko

 

[easyrider604]

686-3, 6 shot with 6 inch barrel, red dot scope on Aimtech mount.

If hunting were not in the parameters, I'd go with a 4 inch barrel.

The dot scope is a personal necessity if I want to hit anything farther than 15 meters.

This revolver is one of two that I probably would never want to sell. The other is a stainless Ruger GP100/6 inch barrel.

 

[rebelray84]

The everything gun?I been saving up for one of these bad boys!

 

[Combat_Diver]

Usually I'll answer with either a 3" HB, RB m65 or 4" SB m66. Then I went to Germany for 3 years and only took one handgun and that was my 1911 in .45 ACP with my Colt .22LR conversion. I've done the choice also with my m58 in .41mag. Just depends on the enviroment and tasks at the time. Since I don't currently own anymore K frames the the choice would be either my 58 or 1911 still.

CD

 

[Ziptar]

Given the guns I own? My 625-9 MG in 45 Colt. I can't believe I'm the only "the 45
Colt can do anything" one.

+1 on that when loading your own .45 Colt can do it all. Casting your own, even more so.

 

[safearm]

I think I'd go with a stainless steel, fixed sight, round butt, 4" barrel L-frame in .357 Magnum. You can shoot everything from .38 S&W to full-house .357 Magnum, including shotshells. You don't have to worry about knocking the sights off, and the stainless finish resists weather, sweat, etc. With the RB, it's fairly easy to carry concealed, and the 4" barrel is a reasonable compromise between comfort and velocity. Unfortunately, S&W doesn't make one of these, and the neither does Ruger (Speed Six).

 

[DRYHEAT]

If restricted to a handgun only:

If I could have a (select-fire assault) rifle:

...or a shotgun:

...this one you can carry concealed!

 

[G.T. Smith]

If my only gun had to be a long gun, it would be my 12 ga. pump shotgun. Ammo ranging from 3" magnum slugs, to 2 and 3/4" light field loads a person can kill just about anything.
I my only gun had to be a handgun, it would probably be my m65-4 4".
Peace,
gordon

 

[A10]

Every one I own is the perfect gun! However, limited to one, I would have a tough time choosing between my 3" 629 and my 25-13 mountain gun. I know, lots of people here are allergic to the lock but I've never had it move and I shoot some pretty hot stuff through the gun, so I'm not too worried about that part of it.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I think I'd go with a stainless steel, fixed sight, round butt, 4" barrel L-frame in .357 Magnum. You can shoot everything from .38 S&W to full-house .357 Magnum, including shotshells. You don't have to worry about knocking the sights off, and the stainless finish resists weather, sweat, etc. With the RB, it's fairly easy to carry concealed, and the 4" barrel is a reasonable compromise between comfort and velocity. Unfortunately, S&W doesn't make one of these, and the neither does Ruger (Speed Six).

Do you mean something like this?

 

[safearm]

Do you mean something like this?

Yep, that's the one! Very nice; I didn't think about the fiber optic front sight, but that's a bonus. Is it DA only, or just a bobbed hammer?

 

[caryg]

Only one handgun, my alaskan 454, only shotgun, remmington wingmaster, only carry gun, model 60, only rifle, marlin 1895 45 -70

 

[el jefe]

It hurts my head to think about just having 1 gun.

When you added "hunting" to the equation, it upped the caliber.

A 4" .357 is the logical choice (pick a model).

Maybe even a 3".

I'm trying to keep in under 5 guns as I live my new life of simplicity and I don't hunt. I'm not having much luck.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

It is Double Action only with a forged hammer and is getting ready for a forged trigger transplant .